Cross Country Race 4

Can you believe it? It's time for cross country again already!

Tewkesbury Primary School’s Cross Country – Spring Races – Race 4 - Thursday 6th February

It was wonderful to see such enthusiasm from the children in Years 4, 5 and 6 as this year’s Cross Country season resumed. A team of 34 children headed over to the only ‘recently-recovered-from-being-really-flooded’ Vineyards with approximately one hundred other children from other schools across the town. It was a bright and calm afternoon - perfect conditions for cross country running. However, the course was certainly challenging. Reversed from the Autumn Term races, it involved a long and steady incline as part of a slightly longer route. And thanks to the weeks and weeks of rain, the going was extremely heavy under foot. After a little while explaining the new route, the first race of the afternoon got underway. The boys took to the course first and put in a gritty performance. Ewan led from start to finish, but was pushed hard all the way to the line as he secured his fourth win from four races. What an achievement. Owen claimed a hard-earned 4th position once more to push his claim for a county cross country opportunity later this month. As the boys continued to finish, personal best performances were achieved as well as some impressive debuts made. Particular congratulations to first time runners Hayden (49th), Harrison (58th) and Jayden (96th) and also to Joe (54th) and George (56th) who achieved personal bests. Next it was the turn of the girls. It was perhaps even harder for them; the boys had churned up the course before them and it was turning chilly as we drew closer to early evening. The early theme of brilliant performances continued in this race with some outstanding running. Julia finished impressively to cross the line in a season’s best 6th place and Tilly was not far behind in 8th position. The race was littered with personal bests: Leah (15th), Keira (16th), Isobel (21st), Emmie-Grace (53rd), Annabelle (61st), Emily (63rd), Lola (66th), Seren (70th) and Olivia (74th). There were excellent first-time finishes for Madison (17th), Alesha (22nd) and Summer (75th). And some statistically interesting facts … the two Chloes keep finishing in the same position! Chloe C has finished the last two races in 54th (having finished 55th in the previous one) and Chloe M has crossed the line in 41st position for the last three races in succession. Incredible! Many thanks once more to both Mrs. Gosden and Mrs. Thomas for helping to organise the team and also to the many children and families who were there to cheer Tirlebrook on. It is greatly appreciated. Well done everyone – we are very proud of you. One more race to go … can we push on and claim that overall title for the third year in succession?

Squad: Charlie A, Owen B, Summer B, Tilly B, Alex C, Olivia C-H, George C, Isaac Co, Chloe C, Georgiana C, Joe C, Seren D, Edward F, Julia G, Katie G, Ewan G, Alesha H, Keira H, Emmie-Grace K, Hayden L, Paddy M, Finlay M, Isobel M, Chloe M, Freddie P, Jayden P, Madison R, Joshua S, Emily T, Leah T, Harrison T, Annabelle W, Lola W & Betsy W